asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the decision of the Galway County Manager to abolish in County Galway the practice of hiring out children reared in county institutions; and, if so, if he will take appropriate steps to induce a similar measure to be adopted throughout the country, wherever such a practice obtains.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hired Out Children.
It is not the practice for local authorities to rear children in county institutions. The practice referred to by the Deputy applied to children who had been boarded out by the Galway County Council.
I am aware of the decision by the county manager, Galway, to discontinue the placing of children in employment at 15 years of age as an alternative to maintaining them as boarded out children. This decision is in accordance with a recommendation made by my Department, and, where necessary, the same course has been and will continue to be recommended to other local authorities.
It has been in operation?
Yes.